'Hizbullah shot down Lebanese helicopter'
Sources close to armed Shiit organization assume responsibility for downing of Lebanese military chopper over Sejoud. Other officials in Lebanon refute claim
Hizbullah shot down the Lebanese military helicopter earlier on Thursday over the village of Sejoud – sources close to the Shiite group confirmed to Lebanese media.
The attack resulted in the death of the pilot, identified as First Lieutenant Samer Hanna. Two other military men who were traveling in the helicopter were wounded in the crash.
The reports, attributed to media associated with the anti-Syrian camp in Lebanon, assert Hizbullah intentionally shot down the chopper: "The helicopter was downed because it crossed the red lines which Hizbullah warned the ministry of defense and military not to go over.
"Hizbullah informed them it was their obligation to uphold this. Hizbullah believes that that the ministry of defense and army headquarters did not know that the helicopter entered the no-fly zone."
Ambulance rushes to crash site (Photo: AFP)
Hizbullah issued a formal announcement in which it denounced the incident. The organization said however that the region in question was "sensitive" for Hizbullah.
An army statement said the helicopter came under fire from "armed elements" while on a training mission over Iqlim al-Touffah district—mountainous ridge north of a zone where UN peacekeepers have a mandate to operate.
But despite the sources' claims, Lebanese officials Ynet spoke with questioned Hizbullah's involvement. They noted that the reports originated from the anti-Syrian camp, which is extremely hostile to Hizbullah.
"At present time there are no official reports in Lebanon indicating this," the officials said.
